Consultation begins for BU sexualized violence protocol

February 24, 2017

BRANDON, Man. – Brandon University (BU) will begin wide campus and community consultation this month on its draft sexualized violence protocol.

The protocol, developed by BU’s Sexual Assault Advisory Group (SAAG), grew out of BU’s draft stand-alone sexualized violence policy, which was introduced in November and refined after months of consultation. While the policy lays the foundation for BU’s efforts to respond to and prevent sexualized violence, the protocol identifies the steps and supports that are available to those who have experienced sexualized violence. It also outlines the actions that the University will take in response to disclosures and reports.

“The sexualized violence protocol is very important to everyone at BU,” said Carla Navid, Sexual Violence and Education Coordinator at BU and a member of SAAG, which includes staff, faculty and student membership as well as community experts.

“The protocol answers the most common questions that we heard during the policy consultation by identifying what you need to do next and what assistance is available if you have experienced sexualized violence or know of someone who has.”

Town Hall meetings will be held to discuss the draft protocol, with sessions scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 and Tuesday, Feb. 28. Those who are unable to attend the Town Halls or would rather not speak publicly are welcomed to contact a SAAG member to set up a meeting or to provide feedback anonymously online at BrandonU.ca/SexualViolence. Draft versions of the policy and protocol are both available on the website.

Following the consultation period, the draft policy will be submitted to the BU Board of Governors in March for approval.

“I’m very proud of the SAAG members and of our entire BU community for their efforts over the past months,” said Dr. Steven Robinson, Vice-President (Academic) and SAAG chair. “We have received a great response throughout the consultation process and we expect that to continue now that we are so close to having a stand-alone policy and protocol in place that will benefit everyone who studies, works or is a visitor at BU. Even after approval, we will continue to work together to improve our policy and protocol and to show how vital consent and safety are to all of us at Brandon University.”